John O'Connor

Killed in Action on the 07/11/1914 during the 1st Battle of Ypres

John and the Battalion arrived at Boulogne on the 14/08/1914 and were part of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Division. John was 1 of 9 from his unit killed near Ypres on the 07/11/1914. The Battles of Ypres (1st Ypres), 19th October - 22nd November 1914 : Often known as the 1st Battle of Ypres, this is a series of named battles that also form part of the outflanking encounter. It becomes a desperate epic fight east of the city of Ypres which finally results in stalemate and entrenched warfare. It takes place at the same time as the Battle of the Yser, fought nearby by the Belgian Army against the Germans, and the battles to the south at Messines, Armentieres and La Bassee. John's father wrote on 08/03/1915 complaining that he had not received John's effects or any compensation (see Service Record 12). See Directory for John's uncle Henry O'Connor and his cousin William O'Connor's pages. John is listed as CONNOR on the Coatbridge Memorial. See Service Record (2) for John's height, weight and distinctive marks and Service Record (16) for his Employment Sheet before enlisting. John is also remembered on the St. Patrick's (book) and St. Augustine's Church Rolls of Honour (see photos, listed as Connor). See photos for John's Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clippings x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls x 2, his listing in the Ireland Casualties WW1, his listing in the De Ruvigny's Roll of Honour, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial x 2 (the Memorial picture was taken by myself in 2012), his CWGC Grave Registration, his name on the Menin Gate Memorial Panel List, his Service Records x 17, John's Pension Records x 3 and the Connaught Rangers Cap Badge.